American

The Best Grilled Salmon

Recipe from Food Network

Cuisine
American
Protein
salmon
Dietary
gluten-free
Time
1 hr 40 min total; 15 min active prep plus chilling

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil, plus more for the grill grates
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon packed fresh tarragon leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons capers plus 1 tablespoon caper brine
  • One 1 1/2-pound skin-on, center-cut salmon fillet
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

Method

  1. Blend the oil, Dijon, tarragon, garlic, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon capers, and brine. Pour into a shallow pan. Dry and descale the salmon skin, place it flesh-side down in the sauce, and refrigerate 15 minutes.
  2. Mix the lemon zest, brown sugar, pepper, salt, and optional cayenne.
  3. Heat the grill to medium-high for 15 minutes. Remove the salmon, pat it dry, and press the seasoning onto the flesh.
  4. Oil the grates. Grill skin-side down until the skin releases and the edges turn opaque, about 10 minutes. Flip and cook about 2 minutes for medium-rare, or longer as desired. Rest 5 minutes.
  5. Simmer the remaining sauce with 1/4 cup water for 5–6 minutes, stir in the remaining capers, and serve alongside four portions of salmon.

To drink

Pairing
Samuel Louis Smith 2023 Spear Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills), $46.00
On a budget
William Hill Estate 2022 Chardonnay (California), $15.00

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